Twitter Reactions: Devon Conway’s 92 goes in vain as South Africa crush New Zealand by 198 runs to level series

South Africa crushed the New Zealand side by 198 runs in the 2nd Test match to level the two-match series 1-1. The Proteas outplayed the Kiwis in every department of the game in the 2nd rubber to comprehensively come out on top.

Chasing a gargantuan target of 426 for victory, the New Zealand side resumed Day 5 with their scorecard reading 94/4. However, the Tom Latham-led side could not step up to the challenge and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Devon Conway waged a lone battle for his side with the bat but did not get any support from the other Kiwi batters. The left-hander scored a fighting 92 off 188 deliveries.

New Zealand fizzle out after Conway-Blundell partnership

Devon Conway and Tom Blundell started the day in a positive fashion for New Zealand. The duo was involved in a partnership of 85 runs for the 5th wicket and kept the South African bowlers at bay.

But, after Conway’s departure, the floodgates opened as New Zealand lost a flurry of wickets. Blundell followed Conway back to the pavilion soon after as he was removed by left-arm seamer Marco Jansen.

Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson contributed 18 and 12 respectively, but they were only delaying the inevitable. Tim Southee was then removed by Kagiso Rabada for 17. And, just after tea, the South African side completed a crushing victory as Matt Henry was trapped plumb in front of the stumps by Keshav Maharaj for a 23-ball duck.

Kagiso Rabada walked away with the Player of the Match award for his scintillating performance with the red cherry in hand. The right-arm pacer scalped a total of 8 wickets in the match to dent the New Zealand batting lineup and enabled his side to post a superb win on New Zealand soil.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the clash between the two sides

And Dean Elgar's leadership is superb.He found a way to get it done. Preventing NZ from making history. Wow! We going far now👏 #Proteas #SAvsNZ

— NthabelengMakete. (@FelicityMarch2) March 1, 2022

Wynberg boy Kyle Verrynne keeping the flag flying high I see, @ZaahierAdams ?

— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) March 1, 2022

South africa. Rising from ashes. #savsnz 👏🦾

— Who Cares! (@Who_karez_) February 28, 2022

NZ used to be so comfortable when playing under #KaneWilliamson whether it's home or away..
If this is the condition of theirs without KW I fear they will not be such strong team as they are today after KW#NZvSA #savsnz #testcricket

— Rajeev Saraf (@sarafrajeev10) February 28, 2022

South Africa have gone past India and New Zealand on the WTC points table and sit in fourth place. With a two-match home series against Bangladesh to come, they'll be eyeing a top two finish this summer.

— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) March 1, 2022

Still don't think the Proteas know what their best XI is, but there is now real depth in all departments and that has not always been the case.
Superb turnaround. A series draw that should feel like a win.
Attitude and hunger was incredible and KG, SJ, KV, Kesh were all massive

— Lloyd Burnard (@LloydBurnard) March 1, 2022

Unbelievable comeback from a South African side that can only be described as not themselves in the first Test. This was a proper performance. Two hundreds, Rabada at his best, energy in the field. #NZvSA

— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) March 1, 2022

Beauty of #testcricket
SA openers 100 partnership & one gets a ton; NZ get quick wkts; pacers rattle NZ top order; counterattacking ton from NZ bat; SA top order demolished; ton from a wk; NZ down to last wkt, brink of losing; Rain! …
What next? #savsnz #WTC23

— KBS (@DrKBSKrishna) March 1, 2022

#NZvsSA Two wonderful teams! Entertaining series 1-1. pic.twitter.com/MnNbIv3z03

— Sasanka Griddalur (@sasankasekhar) March 1, 2022

Procession time! Jansen dismantling NZ. Great catch by Mulder and it's almost done! #ProteaFire #SAvsNZ

— brett Fish anderson (@BrettFishA) March 1, 2022

Rassie again playing as sledger in proteas side Rishabh was absolutely bang right on about him man is yet to make test century and playing at hotspot no.4 position. #savsnz

— Hussain (@jrmadrid_1) March 1, 2022

What a comeback SA
Defeated Nz by 198 runs in the 2nd test.#SAvsNZ

— Cricket360Media (@Cricket360Media) March 1, 2022

Comeback by South Africa to level the series. Henry is the Player of the Series. Rabada is the Player of the Match. #savsnz

— Qamar Raza (@Rizzvi73) March 1, 2022

So NZ lost a home game to BAN and now to SA !!! Surely not good for WTC Champions 😏 #NZvsSA

— G (@ThatWittyGal) March 1, 2022